Your child drools and has difficulty eating

What you may notice

It's not unusual for babies to drool when they're teething, and toddlers may have problems when they switch from liquid to solid food. You might notice that your toddler pushes food out of his mouth with his tongue, won't eat certain kinds of foods, or refuses to eat for the rest of the day after he's had a huge breakfast. Your toddler also might have a sensitive gag reflex that makes him gag or choke when you try to feed him food with lumps or new textures.

These issues usually aren't anything to worry about. But check with his doctor if your child consistently refuses food or has difficulty eating, suddenly chokes or gags on foods he was able to eat before, or drools much more than other kids his age.

What causes it

A very sore throat (which could be caused by a number of things, including the flu, an abscess, laryngitis, or tonsillitis) can make a toddler refuse to eat. A viral infection that inflames the mucous lining of the mouth and throat is another common cause of temporary swallowing problems in children.

On the other hand, persistent problems with eating could signal an oral-motor disorder, meaning that your child can't control the muscles needed for swallowing. Other possible causes of persistent feeding problems include certain nervous system disorders, reflux, or developmental disabilities.

What your doctor may recommend

Your child's doctor will do a thorough physical examination which might include blood work, X-rays, a "swallow study," CT scans, or other diagnostic tests. Depending on the problem, she might recommend occupational therapy, perhaps combined with speech and language therapy. Or she might refer you to a specialist who treats developmental disorders.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.